Australian news on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome

Last days to have your say: Medical Research Future Fund

The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) is holding a national consultation to ask Australians about what the priorities of the fund should be from 2018-2020. The first set of MRFF Priorities expire on 8 November 2018.

There is an opportunity for everyone to make a submission using the form on the website. The consultation closes on 31 August. There have been public consultation sessions held around Australia.

In 2014 the Australian Government created the $20 billion MRFF. $1.4 billion will be spent in the first five years. The MRFF provides a major injection in health and medical research funding. The MRFF is in addition to the ongoing funding of the National Health and Medical Research Council. Read more about the MRFF’s principles and programs.

It is estimated that ME affects between 94,000 and 242,000 Australians. Around 25% are so severely affected they can’t leave home or bed. Medical research in Australia has been very limited, the federal government last funded a study into chronic fatigue syndrome in 2005.